Original Filter nationalizes production and expands plant in Cotia

Original Filter, a supplier of auto parts, is expanding its plant in Cotia, nationalizing large part of its filter production and creating 50 jobs.The project relied on the support from Investe São Paulo, the investment and export promotion agency associated with the Department of Economic Development, Science, Technology and Innovation of the state of São Paulo.

So far, most of the items in the company’s portfolio – air, oil, fuel and hydraulic filters for diesel engine models of trucks, buses, SUVs, off-road vehicles, agricultural equipment, stationary engines, etc. - was manufactured by partners abroad.Nationalization will make Original Filter less susceptible to exchange rate fluctuations and to production deadlines of foreign manufacturers.

“We will be able to reduce costs and have more competitive prices for products in which the value of taxes and customs costs complicated the business.We will also be able to better control the quality of our products,” says Gabriel Lepera, company’s director.

For the Investment Director of Investe SP, Ermínio Lucci, this expansion evidences an industry trend.“The automotive industry in the state of São Paulo has been growing and expanding mainly in the state’s inner cities, becoming increasingly complex, which causes several customers in the automotive industry to contact us to take advantage of all the benefits that the logistics infrastructure of the state offers,” he says.The agency assisted the company in legal aspects and provided strategic information.

Original Filter expects a 40% growth in the first 12 months of operation after the expansion.The company will focus on air, oil, fuel and hydraulic filters for heavy-duty engines (trucks, buses, agricultural machinery and equipment and transport), because these products have higher demand in Brazil.”

On average, the company currently serves 350 customers per month.The expansion involves an investment of R$1.5 million, and will take place on an area covering 1,500 square meters, with 1,000 square meters of built area.

About Original Filter

ORIGINAL FILTER is an auto parts company specializing in automotive, agricultural, industrial and off-road filters, and offers a complete line of replacement filters.Its R&D center is always up to date with the market to provide excellence in quality to leading vehicle manufacturers worldwide.All filters are tested in modern laboratories with qualified and experienced professionals, with expertise to manufacture these products in the national and international territory.